Walmart awarded more than $200 million second quarter cash bonuses to more than 900,000 hourly associates nationwide

Bentonville, Ark., 2016-Sep-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — As part of Walmart’s continued focus on improving and enhancing the store experience for customers, the company recently awarded more than $200 million in second quarter cash bonuses to more than 900,000 hourly associates across the United States.

The bonuses, which were based on stores’ performances from May through July of this year, are part of an overall incentive plan designed to reward associates whose stores have met their performance and customer service goals. Eligible associates can earn these bonuses four times a year.

“Whether it’s buying something for their kids, treating themselves or saving for something great, bonus time at Walmart is always a special time for our associates,” said Mike Moore, executive vice president of Supercenters for Walmart U.S.

“Our people have always been the most important part of our business and they continue to do amazing things for our customers,” said Julie Murphy, executive vice president of Neighborhood Markets for Walmart U.S. “Sam Walton built this business on the idea of sharing profits with our associates and treating them as partners.”

Walmart’s Investment in our Associates

  • In 2015, Walmart announced a two-year, $2.7 billion investment in our associates. The commitment includes investments in education, training and higher wages. As a result, more than 1.2 million Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club associates received pay increases on the same day earlier this year. The second quarter bonuses are not part of the $2.7 billion.
  • Associate training is a key component of Walmart’s associate investment strategy. This year Walmart announced plans to open 200 Academies across the U.S. designed to teach advanced retail skills to department managers and hourly supervisors. More than 140,000 associates are expected to go through the training program each year.
  • Walmart is investing in training at all levels of its stores. In February the company rolled out its Pathways training program for all entry-level workers, providing training, education and opportunities for associates, offering them a clearer career path from entry level positions to jobs with more responsibility and higher pay.

About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, we serve nearly 260 million customers who visit our 11,504 stores under 65 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2015 revenue of $486 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

Contact: 1-800-WALMART (1-800-925-6278)

Source: Walmart

New Zealand: Foodstuffs supermarkets invests more than $200 million on new stores and store refurbishments nationwide

Auckland, New Zealand, 2016-Aug-01 — /EPR Retail News/ — A stocktake of property developments currently underway by Foodstuffs supermarkets shows more than $200 million is being invested nationwide on new stores and store refurbishments.

Work includes the construction of seven new stores, worth around $120 million in total – four in the North Island and three in the South. Another $80 million is being spent on upgrades for 11 stores.

The four North Island stores currently being built are: PAK’nSAVE Tauriko, in Tauranga; New World Te Kuiti; New World Papakura, in South Auckland; and PAK’nSAVE Tamatea, in Napier.

Another five North Island stores have upgrades underway: PAK’nSAVE Clendon, in South Auckland; New World Willis Street, in Wellington, New World Pahiatua, New World Metro in Auckland’s CBD, and New World Orewa. Work has just finished at New World Pioneer Highway, in Palmerston North.

Foodstuffs (North Island) Ltd General Manager Property Development Lindsay Rowles says, it’s an exciting time for retail development in New Zealand, with multiple growth opportunities.

“Consumers are becoming more discerning about where they shop,” says Rowles. “Some want more modern facilities and a wider range of products, while others are focussed on cost savings and environmental sustainability. We are well aware of all those factors, and are investing in order to cater for these needs well into the future.”

Rowles, who only recently moved here from Australia after 13 years in retail property development for Woolworths and ALDI, says retailers are recognising the importance of putting customer desires at the centre of their planning, including the physical buildings they develop.

“Our stores need to reflect the needs of the customer and adapt and, if required, change to meet their needs. Critical aspects of our supermarkets such as car parks, aisles, lighting and refrigeration need to be tailored to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. A business that truly places these needs at its heart is the one that will have true success into the future.”

As well as the work already underway, Foodstuffs North Island is planning a major overhaul of New World Papatoetoe, in south Auckland, with a resource consent application already lodged with Auckland Council. Work is due to start by winter 2017.

Meanwhile, in the South Island, three new stores are currently being built: New World Ferry Road, in east Christchurch; PAK’nSAVE Queenstown; and Four Square West Melton, west of Christchurch.

Foodstuffs (South Island) Ltd General Manager Property and Retail Development Roger Davidson says all three are due to open in spring.

“At one end of the scale is PAK’nSAVE Queenstown,” he says, “which will cover about 5500 square metres and bring New Zealand’s lowest food prices to the Queenstown-Lakes District for the first time. At the other end is Four Square West Melton, which promises to give locals greater shopping convenience.”

Five other southern stores are being refurbished: New World Halswell in south Christchurch; New World Lincoln; New World Elles Road, in Invercargill; New World Alexandra; and PAK’nSAVE Timaru.

“Overall, it amounts to a massive work programme for us,” Davidson says, “and a sign of our long-term commitment to the communities we serve.”

Newly constructed stores and those undergoing major refurbishments will all be kitted out with the latest in environmentally sustainable lighting, refrigeration and waste recycling systems.

As for the number of jobs that will be created nationwide, a figure is yet to be confirmed. But with three stores being completely new builds – PAK’nSAVE Tauriko, PAK’nSAVE Queenstown; and Four Square West Melton, west of Christchurch – at least 300-400 jobs are likely to be created.

“Part of the investment in our communities is the training and career advancement opportunities we offer our staff,” says Davidson. “We’re currently directing our spending to bricks and mortar, but once the stores are completed our owners focus moves onto ensuring they have the best people on the ground to meet our customer needs – training and development forms a strong part of this.”

Contact:

Tel: +64 9 621 0600
Fax:+64 9 621 0601

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New Zealand: Foodstuffs supermarkets invests more than $200 million on new stores and store refurbishments nationwide
New Zealand: Foodstuffs supermarkets invests more than $200 million on new stores and store refurbishments nationwide

 

Source: Foodstuff